Going full-time indie hacker vs side hustle?

"What do you think about going full-time indie hacker vs side hustle?"

I got asked this question last week. I wish I asked it back then I wouldn't have wasted time. Here's my reply to him in short (full story if you prefer).

👉👉👉 What's your own experience? What are the pros and cons of doing it full-time vs part-time?

This is based on my own experiences trying both approaches.

I was full-time creating YouTube videos in 2018. Now, I'm part-time creating and writing. PS: I've used the term Indie Hacker here loosely, here I mean anyone who codes products or creates content online independently.

1) Pressure of having no income

The pressure was no joke.

Back then, the pressure led me to make all kinds of mistakes. E.g. not creating useful video content and thinking too hard on how to monetize my views.

Now, I can focus on my curiosity + what helps people.

2) Sorry, but it takes time

Almost everything on and off the Internet takes time.

I thought by going full-time, I could accelerate project growth and get there sooner. No, that wasn't the case.

I need time to build relationships with the right people. I need time to curate the first 1,000 fans. I need time to wait for SEO to kick off. When I reach out to people, I need time to wait for their replies.

This means going full-time doesn't necessarily mean faster.

3) Can you see clearly?

When I had all the time in the world, I spent them doing a lot of unimportant things.

Guess where I spent the most time back then: adding effects to my videos! 😂😂😂

Now, I'm picky.

In a way, I'm a lot more productive because I'm doing it part-time.

4) Don't chase after an idea that is evolving

Ideas keep changing based on new info and thoughts.

Doing it full-time, I was desperate to evolve my idea and "get there".

Now part-time, the pressure is off, I am able to slow down, sit back, and listen to people (I think we all know how important this is).

5) So, create the best environment to strive

The best way to move forward is to stay true to yourself.

Know that this is going to be a marathon, so you're better off training slowly and adding mileage each week than forcing yourself to sprint right away.

👉👉👉 What's your own experience? What are the pros and cons of doing it full-time vs part-time?